Parliamentarian Louis Ng (PAP-Nee Soon) posted on Facebook on how NEA utilizes cameras to catch smokers who throw cigarette butts out of windows.
In his Facebook post he attached photos of residents getting caught in the act and he said that it is not true that the cameras will invade privacy.
In his Facebook post he said:
“We have been told repeatedly that the current surveillance cameras can’t be used to capture someone smoking at their windows? We have been told the use of the cameras will invade the privacy of smokers and their neighbours. But this can’t be true.
Check out photos from the current NEA surveillance cameras.
AND REMEMBER that camera surveillance is just one of many options. It is the last last last resort.
Let me stress again that once people are aware that smoking near windows and at balconies is illegal, the vast majority of people will comply with it.
I cannot imagine a person continuing to smoke at their window, committing an offence right in front of their neighbours in the nearby block. I’m sure some neighbours will take photos of this and report the smoker or put it on social media. Deterrence again will kick in before the need for enforcement.
We are not asking for surveillance cameras to be placed everywhere, throughout Singapore and invade everyone’s privacy. This is not needed at all.
For the small number of cases where we need to deploy a surveillance camera, we can minimise concerns of privacy by doing what we already do – point it at the facade of the building.
These cameras are used by the authorities today to catch high-rise litterbugs. But they will actually work just as effectively for catching those smoking at windows and balconies.
These photos in this post show how the cameras can already capture someone smoking at their windows without invading the privacy of the smoker and their neighbours.
I won’t give up and will continue to speak up!
What do you think Let me know your thoughts and I will help raise them in Parliament.
Help spread the word Thanks!”
Image source: NEA via Louis Ng